Conservation: Figure of a Samurai in full Armour

This Life-size realistic figure is a Japanese model of a samurai in full armour called iki-ningyō or living doll. It was probably originally assembled around 1880, a period when the West became obsessed with the mystique of the samurai after they had been abolished as a class in 1876.

These dolls were originally made in Japan for displays at temple festivals but from around 1870 they were also exhibited at international exhibitions.

This object has now been redisplayed as part of the newly refurbished Toshiba Gallery of Japanese Art and Design. But before this could happen it was essential to restore its full splendour.

Find out more: https://www.vam.ac.uk/info/conservation